Two Otaki women are in hospital after two dogs viciously attacked them in a driveway in Otaki Beach.

One woman protected her face when she was attacked late yesterday afternoon and suffered serious bites to her arms and legs.

The other woman came to her aid and suffered a serious bite to her thigh.

The dogs were described as pitbull-crosses.

Kapiti Coast District Council staff described the attack as particularly vicious.

"This was a nasty attack that shocked experienced animal control officers. It must have been a terrifying ordeal for the women and has left them with serious wounds that will take time to heal," council community services group manager Tamsin Evans said.

There were reports of blood and pieces of flesh strewn on the driveway.

Both women are in a stable condition in Palmerston North Hospital.

Council staff are working with police to establish what happened and to determine what legal action may be taken.

Otaki police would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the attack or has any information.